Quirky Crafts
Due to the popularity of websites such as Etsy, an online handmade marketplace, and Pinterest, a virtual pinboard, DIY projects are very popular. These online collections have inspired a new population of artisans and handicraft. Many of these featured ideas include using items not commonly intended for crafts or ideas that steer away from the traditional. The Library also can be a source for finding ideas for those unconventional craft projects.
Knit Your Own Dog: Easy to Follow Patterns for 25 Pedigree Pooches by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. From a spotted Dalmatian to a wrinkly Bulldog, this compilation of patterns can help you knit the dog you always wanted. The 25 easy-to-follow patterns are for both new and veteran knitters.
Creepy Cute Crochet by Christen Haden. This unique craft book contains more than 20 patterns for zombies, ninjas, Vikings, vampires, aliens and robots. Each pattern is presented with step-by-step diagrams, hilarious commentary and full-color photographs of the creatures. Plus each pattern is ranked according to difficulty so that even beginners can share in the fun.
Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat by Kaori Tsutaya. Learn how to transform stray clumps of fur into soft and adorable handicrafts. From kitty tote bags and finger puppets to fluffy cat toys, picture frames, and more, these projects are cat-friendly, eco-friendly and require no special equipment or training.
The Star Wars Craft Book by Bonnie Burton. Give into the power of your crafty side. With the “Star Wars Craft Book,” fans of all ages and skill levels can bring the best of the galaxy right into their own homes. Fully illustrated, this guide features a variety of fun and original projects including a Chewbacca tissue box cover and a Wookie bird house.
62 Projects to Make With a Dead Computer and Other Discarded Electronics by Randy Sarafan. Techno-crafters ages 12 and up will enjoy this guide to repurposing old computer parts, outdated cell phones, and various other electronic gadgetry destined for the landfill. Step-by-step instructions for 62 projects are detailed with clear illustrations and photographs of the finished creations.
World of Geekcraft: Step-by-Step Instructions for 25 Super-Cool Craft Projects. Geek meets craft in this fun collection of 25 kooky projects for geeks of any affiliation, from D&D dice earrings, Star Trek pillows, and Super Mario cross-stitch to Star Wars terrariums, a Morse code quilt and much more!
Go Crazy with Duct Tape by Patti Wallenfang. Wake up your world with duct tape! Use their cool colors and prints to design your own jewelry and all kinds of bags. You can customize sunglasses, boots, belts and even a recliner! Lots of photos and the basic how-tos make it easy to finish all these fantastic ideas.
The Lost Art of Towel Origami by Alison Jenkins. You will never look at the laundry the same way again after reading this book. Filled with hilarious completed-project photographs, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, this book will provide hours of entertainment. Stun your company by skillfully creasing your linen into works of art.
Bead Bugs: Cute, Creepy, and Quirky Projects to Make with Beads, Wire, and Fun Found Objects by Amy Kopperude. Create 23 cute and clever bugs and little crawly critters out of beads, wire, and other craft materials. Each project is shown in step-by-step photos with clear instructions that anyone can follow. Variations of each project encourage the crafter to imagine all kinds of ways to make the bugs unique. Get your imagination crawling with this book!
Visit the following websites for additional ideas and instructions for creative your projects:
Craftster.org An online community for offbeat and crafty DIY projects. Users can share photos and discuss their projects.
Craftzine.com An online publication for crafts created by Make Magazine. The website features unique sewing, beading, knitting, woodworking and metalworking project that can be completed using household materials.
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